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Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) announced its programme for the 27th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) at a press conference held at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, on Monday, 17th April. ADIBF, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) from 26th April until 2nd May.

"I am pleased to share with you today our success in achieving an increase in reserved space at ADIBF, to reach 35,148 square metres, with a total of 1,320 exhibitors, an increase of 60 exhibitors from last year, representing 65 countries from around the world, and the publication of more than 500,000 titles from more than 30 languages. This year’s programme will also feature over 800 activities, discussion sessions and seminars."

"We will also be celebrating China and the relaunch of the Silk Road project from Abu Dhabi to highlight the emirate’s ability in encouraging cultural giving and continued demonstration of cultural and scientific openness.," continued Ghobash.

"I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his great and unlimited support for the growing cultural movement in the UAE, and his efforts in supporting the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The award was launched by the UAE President in 2006 in recognition of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and to celebrate Arab culture, human intellect creativity worldwide," he said.

Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the National Library at TCA Abu Dhabi, said, "TCA Abu Dhabi has achieved many milestones over the years, especially in terms of developing the publishing industry.

"These efforts highlight the role of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in enriching the Arab culture further, and promoting the cultural dialogue between civilisations, notably the ‘Kalima’ project, one of the most important pillars of TCA Abu Dhabi’s overall strategy in consolidating Arab culture and the publishing industry. Today, Kalima celebrates its 10th anniversary and great achievements over the years. Within the framework of its role as a pioneering Arab cultural project and a bridge connecting the different cultures of the world and Arab culture, the ‘Kalima’ project will also be organising the 5th Abu Dhabi International Translation Conference," he said.

Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director of Research & Publication at TCA Abu Dhabi, said, "Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2017 is the result of collaboration with Abu Dhabi readers, the publishing world and many scientific and cultural institutions that make the region a major centre of literary and intellectual activity.

"ADIBF is also the embodiment of the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to include the subject of "moral education" in the UAE school curricula. Additionally, these seminars and activities reflect our commitment to establishing and developing the foundations for the publishing industry in the Middle East and North Africa region," he said.

This year's ADIBF features more than 800 cultural activities, ranging from those highlighting the life and achievements of Ibn Arabi, to those highlighting the cultural and intellectual achievements of China. The ADIBF extensive programme will include a variety of exceptional offerings such as the Professional Programme for publishers, the Business Club, the Creativity Corner for the younger generation, the e-Publishing corner, the Show Kitchen, Black Box Cinema, book-signing events and the Illustrators’ Corner.

ADIBF will open to visitors on Wednesday, April 26, at 11am, while on other days it will open from 9am – 10pm and on Friday from 4pm – 10pm.